The Ultimate Southern Pimento Cheese a Chefs Secret Touch

Ultimate Southern Pimento Cheese Recipe A Chefs Secret

By Chef BakerSeptember 24, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: The Ultimate Southern Pimento Cheese

Ever found yourself craving that creamy, cheesy, slightly spicy spread? I have! This pimento cheese recipe is my go-to for any occasion. It is simply addictive.

What Is Pimento Cheese Anyway?

Pimento cheese, sometimes called " southern pate ", is a classic. It originated in the Southern U.S., where it's practically a food group.

This easy dip recipe is ready in minutes. You just need to mix everything together.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This homemade pimento cheese is a real game changer. The sharp cheddar cheese and creamy mayo makes it divine. This recipe offers a good source of calcium and protein.

It's perfect party food or a simple afternoon snack with crackers .

It's ready in under an hour. This includes prep and chill time. The recipe makes about 4 cups, perfect for sharing.

Or not. I won't tell. I often make this appetizer recipe when friends are coming over.

Ingredients You'll Need

Alright, so to make this magic happen you'll need the following simple ingredients: You will need sharp cheddar cheese , cream cheese, Duke's mayo, and pimentos.

Don't forget the Worcestershire sauce. It's my secret weapon. A little garlic powder and cayenne pepper is also great. It's gonna add a kick.

Now that we have covered the basics of this pimento cheese spread , we can get into the instructions!

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Pimento Cheese Recipe Ever

Ready to make some homemade pimento cheese ? This recipe is easy. Even I can do it! It's perfect as a cheese dip , southern pate , or pimento cheese spread on a sandwich .

Get ready for some seriously addictive party food !

Main Players for Pimento Cheese Greatness

Alright, let's gather our ingredients. Get ready to make this easy dip recipe !

Sharp cheddar cheese : 8 ounces ( 225g ), grated. Use pre-shredded to save time.
Extra sharp cheddar cheese : 4 ounces ( 115g ), grated. Adds an extra punch.
Cream cheese : 4 ounces ( 115g ), softened. This is essential!
Mayonnaise : ½ cup ( 120ml ). Duke's or Hellmann's is best.
Pimentos : 4 ounces ( 115g ), drained and diced. Don't skip these!
Yellow onion : 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ), diced.
Worcestershire sauce : 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ). My secret ingredient.
Garlic powder : ½ teaspoon ( 2.5ml ).
Cayenne pepper : ¼ teaspoon ( 1.2ml ). Add more for heat.
Black pepper : ¼ teaspoon ( 1.2ml ).
Salt : To taste. Be careful, start small.

For the cheese, make sure it's good quality. Check for a nice, even color and a firm texture. If your cheddar is crumbly, it could be a sign it's dried out.

Honestly, good quality cheese is a key.

Seasoning Notes to elevate your pimento cheese

Worcestershire sauce? Yep, you heard me right. It adds a savory depth you wouldn't believe. Also, don't be afraid to play around with the cayenne pepper.

A pinch more can turn this appetizer recipe into a total knockout!

If you're feeling adventurous, try a dash of hot sauce instead of cayenne!

Gear Up: What You'll Need

No fancy equipment needed here. Just the basics!

Box grater: Or a food processor with a grating attachment.
Large mixing bowl.
Rubber spatula: Gets everything mixed.
Measuring cups and spoons.
Stand mixer (optional): For a super smooth pimento cheese spread .

If you don't have a box grater, just use a regular knife to chop the cheese. It takes a bit longer, but it works.

Now, let's get this show on the road and make some amazing pimento cheese recipe ! Don't forget to serve it with your favorite crackers !

Cooking Method: Elevating Your Pimento Cheese Game

Alright, y'all! Let's talk pimento cheese recipe . I swear, this ain't your grandma's basic pimento cheese spread , though there is nothing wrong with that.

We're adding a little cheffy twist, just a touch. It's gonna be epic on crackers or as a sandwich filling.

You know? Ready to make some real southern pate ?

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

First, mise en place is key! That means getting everything prepped and ready before you start. Grate your sharp cheddar cheese , dice those pimentos, and soften that cream cheese.

Seriously, don't skip softening the cream cheese! You'll thank me later.

For time saving, pre-shredded cheese is your friend. Honestly, no shame in that game. Just make sure it's good quality. And always, ALWAYS be careful when grating cheese. Those knuckles are precious!

The step-by-step to Homemade Pimento Cheese Heaven

Grate 8 ounces (225g) sharp cheddar cheese and 4 ounces (115g) extra sharp cheddar cheese .
In a large bowl, combine the cheeses, 4 ounces (115g) softened cream cheese , and ½ cup (120ml) mayonnaise .
Add 4 ounces (115g) diced pimentos , 2 tablespoons (30ml) diced yellow onion , 1 tablespoon (15ml) Worcestershire sauce , ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) garlic powder , ¼ teaspoon (1.2ml) cayenne pepper , and ¼ teaspoon (1.2ml) black pepper .
Mix until well combined, but don't overmix!
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt.

Pro Tips: Taking It to the Next Level

Want a smoother texture? Use a stand mixer! Whip it for a minute or two. But be careful not to overmix, or it'll get weird.

A common mistake is not letting the mixture chill. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes . This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.

Trust me!

Make this ahead of time! Seriously, the flavors get even better after a day or two. It is absolutely perfect party food or easy dip recipe .

A chef friend told me a touch of Worcestershire elevates the flavor. That is exactly what this recipe is about!

Recipe Notes for the Ultimate Southern Pimento Cheese

This pimento cheese recipe is seriously simple. Honestly, you can't mess it up! But let's chat about some extras to make it truly your own.

Because that's what cooking is all about, right?

Making it Look Fancy: Plating and Presentation

Forget just plopping your pimento cheese spread in a bowl. Come on, we're better than that! Think rustic. A nice wooden board, maybe some sprigs of parsley.

Even just a cute patterned bowl makes a difference. For dippers, think beyond plain crackers . Try sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, or even pretzel crisps.

I once saw someone serve it with mini corn muffins. Genius! And don't forget a summery beverage, such as sweet tea.

Storing Your Southern Gold: Refrigeration Guidelines

Leftovers? If there are any, that is! Store your homemade pimento cheese in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll happily hang out there for 3-4 days .

After that, it might start to get a little watery. Which isn't the end of the world, but not ideal.

Freezing? Maybe Not.

Freezing isn't really recommended for this cheese dip . The mayonnaise and cream cheese tend to separate when thawed. You'll end up with a weird texture.

Trust me, I tried it once. Not pretty.

Got Dietary Needs? No Problem!

Want to lighten things up? Swap some of the mayo for Greek yogurt. It adds a tang and cuts down on the calories.

For a vegetarian option, of course this recipe is awesome. You can add nutritional yeast. For a vegan pimento cheese , you just need to replace the mayonnaise and cream cheese!

Seasonal Twists on Your Southern Pate

In the summer, grilled peaches or tomatoes are awesome with sharp cheddar cheese sandwich . In the fall, add some roasted butternut squash.

Ooh, or even a little cranberry sauce! Play around. That's the fun part.

Nutrition Simplified: Goodness in Every Bite

This easy dip recipe is packed with flavor. But let's be real, it's not exactly a health food. You still get calcium from the cheese and some protein too.

Just enjoy it in moderation. A little goes a long way, especially as party food ! If you're looking for a quick appetizer recipe , you will certainly enjoy this pimento cheese recipe.

So there you have it! A few simple tweaks to elevate your southern pate . Now go forth and conquer the world. One pimento cheese bite at a time!

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to store my homemade pimento cheese recipe?

To keep your "Carolina Caviar" fresh, store your pimento cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will typically last for 5-7 days. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving, as the ingredients may separate slightly during storage.

Can I freeze pimento cheese?

Freezing pimento cheese is not recommended, as the mayonnaise and cream cheese can separate and become grainy upon thawing, affecting the overall texture. Fresh is always best! Think of it like trying to freeze a good pint of Ben & Jerry's it's just not the same afterward.

What kind of cheese should I use for this pimento cheese recipe?

Sharp cheddar is the classic choice, and using a blend of sharp and extra sharp really brings out the flavor. But don't be afraid to experiment! Smoked cheddar, Gruyere, or even pepper jack can add interesting twists to your pimento cheese.

Think of it as finding the perfect cheese pairing for your wine - it's all about personal preference!

I don't like mayonnaise. Can I substitute something else in my pimento cheese recipe?

While mayonnaise is traditional, you can substitute part of it with plain Greek yogurt or even sour cream for a tangier flavor and slightly lighter texture. You could also try using a vegan mayo, which can be indistinguishable from the regular stuff nowadays!

Start by subbing a little at a time to make sure the consistency stays right.

My pimento cheese is too thick! How do I thin it out?

If your pimento cheese is thicker than you'd like, try adding a tablespoon or two of mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt) at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. A splash of milk or even a bit of the juice from the pimento jar can also do the trick.

Just like Goldilocks, you're looking for texture that's just right.

Is pimento cheese bad for you?

Pimento cheese is a delicious treat, but like most cheesy dips, it is relatively high in calories and fat. Enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet. You can lighten it up slightly by using light mayonnaise and reduced fat cream cheese, but remember the full fat versions contribute to the classic creamy texture.